Tattoo Aftercare

The tattooing procedure involves breaking the skin’s surface so there is always a potential risk for infection to occur afterwards. Your tattoo should be treated as a wound initially and it is important that this advice is followed to minimise the risk of infection.

If you have any problems at all with your tattoo or if you think it may need a touch-up, please call back and see us. Don’t be afraid to come back, we want you to be 100% happy with your tattoo.

MINIMISING THE RISK OF INFECTION

Avoid touching the new tattoo unnecessarily so that exposure to germs is reduced. For the same reason, do not pick at or scratch a healing tattoo.

Always wash and dry your hands before touching a new tattoo.

Leave the dressing applied by your tattooist on for 2 hours until skin stops bleeding.

After carefully removing the dressing, gently wash the tattoo with non-perfumed baby wipes or warm water and an antibacterial liquid soap (hand wash). Using wax based soaps can leave a residue and dry out your skin, this could take longer for your tattoo to heal. After your tattoo has been cleaned gently pat dry. Allow the tattoo to air-dry for 5 minutes.

After allowing your tattoo to get some air, you can apply cream. We can recommend creams to use, but do not continue to use them if irritation occurs. If you are unsure about whether your tattoo is irritated by the creams then please call in to see us. The creams we recommend are Palmers Cocoa Butter and Bepanthen. These creams will help to protect your skin and reduce dryness/scabbing.

Wash the tattoo and apply a pea sized amount of cream. Continue to apply the cream 2-3 times daily for 7 days. If you are unsure about any part of this then please ask your Artist.

Tattoo scabs are usually gone after 9-14 days; they will be replaced with ‘silver skin’, which will last for about a week. Your tattoo may look dull until the ‘new skin’ has completely healed. After this your tattoo will appear nice and bright. If you think your tattoo may need a touch-up, or if you are unhappy in any way with the finished result, please come back and see us sooner rather than later.

GENERAL AFTERCARE

If possible, shower rather than bathe while the tattoo is healing – this will prevent scabs coming off prematurely. If you can only bathe, then make sure the new tattoo isn’t soaked for too long and always pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Avoid petroleum-based products (e.g. Vaseline) as they can restrict fresh air getting to your tattoo. This could cause infection.

Do not pick or rub your tattoo. This will cause your tattoo to have patches.

Try to wear loose clothing to minimise rubbing or irritation to a new tattoo.

If you have any problems or queries regarding your tattoo, please contact your Artist on the number overleaf or call in and see us. Your Artist will give you advice or if they think you need further treatment then your Artist will refer you onto your GP.